MEDIA ALERT: Public inquiry into allegations concerning corruption in NSW Rural Fire Service catering supply to start 2 June

Thursday 28 May 2015

The NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) Operation Vika public inquiry into allegations concerning corrupt payments related to the supply of catering and other products to the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) will now start at 10 am next Tuesday 2 June 2015.

The public inquiry will examine whether between 2009 and 2015, payments made by the RFS to catering companies controlled by Scott Homsey were induced by representations made by RFS employees Arthur John Hacking and Paul Springett, RFS volunteer Darren Hacking, and Mr Homsey, which they knew to be false or misleading, or by those persons concealing facts from the RFS that they had a duty to disclose.

The Commission is also examining whether Arthur John Hacking and Mr Springett engaged in corrupt conduct by receiving a financial benefit, or other benefits or gifts, from Mr Homsey as a reward for their role in facilitating the RFS payments to Mr Homsey's companies.

Further, the Commission will examine whether Mr Homsey and his mother, Gay Homsey, engaged in corrupt conduct by providing Arthur John Hacking and Mr Springett with a financial benefit, or other benefits or gifts, as a reward for their role in facilitating the RFS payments to Mr Homsey's companies.

It will also examine whether Arthur Hacking engaged in corrupt conduct by stealing property belonging to the RFS, including mobile telephones and other electronic devices.

ICAC Assistant Commissioner Theresa Hamilton will preside at the public inquiry, and Counsel Assisting the Commission will be Mr Ben Katekar. The inquiry is set down for five- to seven days. A short media briefing will be held from 9:30 am on procedural and logistical matters. A witness list for the public inquiry will be posted on the ICAC website by Monday 1 June.

Time:                        9:30 am – short media briefing
                                10:00 am – inquiry commences

Date:                      Tuesday 2 June 2015

Location:               ICAC Hearing Room
                                Level 7, 255 Elizabeth Street, Sydney

Media contact: ICAC Manager Communications & Media, Nicole Thomas, 02 8281 5799 / 0417 467 801